This is a simple origami paper craft for children that can be adapted to many different critters or fantasy creatures.

Cut a square from a sheet of colored paper, we used photocopy sized paper. You can choose to use a larger square of paper and you will get a bigger snapper than the one pictured. The narrow strip of paper is our off-cut.

Fold the square sheet of paper in half. Fold each side in half so you end up with a zig zag fold in the paper.

Flatten all the folds so you are left with a skinny rectangle. On the first section fold the corners in on a diagonal to form a triangle.

Repeat this on the middle section …

… and then again on the last section so that all the sections are folded to the same shape.

Find the center point on the longest side and using a pencil make a mark about 12 mm (0.5″) in from the edge. Cut up to the mark through all the layers of paper.

Fold back long triangles from the cut to the outer point. This creates the lips or gums of the snapper. Pull the sides apart.

Fold over so the points meet and make a beak or mouth shape. I pinch the back of this to encourage it to stay folded so it does keep springing fully open.

Decorate as you wish. I cut teeth from white card …

… and a curly tongue from red paper, but you can use you imagination to create any creature you like. Maybe big lips for a gorilla or a hanging tongue for a dog. Whiskers and ears for a mouse or fangs for a bat.